Overview:

is a Roman Catholic Church located in Antigua-and-Barbuda. The church was founded in 1755 and is dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patron saint of Antigua. The building is constructed in the traditional, rustic style and is considered to be one of the oldest churches in the Caribbean. St. Mary's offers services for the English and Spanish speaking community, with mass held in Spanish twice a month. The Sunday mass is held in English. The Parish has a vibrant youth ministry, which actively engages the younger members of the church. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Antigua-and-Barbuda
Prominent Features:

, an integral landmark of the islands' representation of its European ties and of its religious past is St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. It is a symbol of its colonial and spiritual presence throughout the centuries since its initial construction in the early 1840s. The Church displays a mix of Italian and Caribbean designs, exhibiting the strong influence the previously Roman Catholic European settlers had on the architecture of the area. Its mostly white façade with rust-colored window frames is a sign of the religious traditions it holds. Inside, the dome-shaped ceiling appears to soar, while ornate marble pillars and altarpieces add to its grandeur. The stained glass windows bathe the interior in a rainbow of color. With its traditional interiors, heritage-filled tombs, and decorative architectural structures, St. Mary's Church is considered one of the most unique and inspiring religious sites in the Caribbean. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Antigua-and-Barbuda.

History:

Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church in St. John's, Antigua-and-Barbuda, is a significant historic and religious site for the Roman Catholic Church on the Caribbean island. The original church was built around 1684 and is said to have been the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary on the island. The church was destroyed by a hurricane in 1772 but was later rebuilt. It serves as one of the oldest Catholic churches in the Caribbean region and is now a major tourist attraction in Antigua. The original Catholic church in St. John's was founded in 1684 by church doctrine, and dedicated to ”Our Lady of Good Hope (Our Ladye of Good Hope)” in honor of the Virgin Mary. It is said to have been the first Virgin Mary parish erected in the Caribbean region. The Roman Catholic Diocese of the West Indies was established in 1688, and the parish church became a cornerstone of its ecclesiastical government. The original church building was destroyed by a hurricane in 1772. Following the destruction, a new church was built on the same site, built in the Roman Neo-Classical architectural style. The church features six Corinthian columns, a series of six windows which create a monumental arch and a large clock tower. When the Diocese of the West Indies was dissolved in 1818, the parish church was absorbed into the Diocese of Comayagua in Honduras. In 1867, it returned to the Diocese of Antigua. The church underwent extensive renovations in 1911, and was restored to its original grandeur. The walls and ceilings were painted golden yellow and blue, and a new bell tower was constructed. The church was further restoration efforts were undertaken in the 1970s and 1980s which included new stained glass windows, electrical wiring, and modern lighting. Today, Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church is an important heritage site in the Caribbean region and is a popular tourist attraction. It serves as an important religious site for the Roman Catholic Church and is open for Mass and other special activities. Sources - History of St Mary's Church - Antigua-and-Barbuda. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2021, from https://www.antigua-barbuda.org/st-marys-church/ - St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. (2020, October 27). Retrieved May 24, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Mary%27s_Roman_Catholic_Church,_St._John%27s,_Antigua_and_Barbuda - St Mary's Catholic Church – St. John's, Antigua-and-Barbuda. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2021, from https://archsantigua.org/st-marys-catholic-church/ Visit one of the famous monuments of Antigua-and-Barbuda with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church is the oldest surviving Roman Catholic church in Antigua-and-Barbuda. It was originally built around 1681 and was consecrated in 1683 by Father Antoine Boulogne, an Italian Capuchin missionary. 2. The church was destroyed by Hurricane Hugo in 1989, but was subsequently rebuilt in 1993 and added to the Historic Register of Antigua-and-Barbuda. 3. The church was painted bright yellow in the 19th century as a sign of collaboration and praise for the British monarch. 4. St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church is the only church in Antigua-and-Barbuda using the Gregorian chant in its liturgy. 5. St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church also houses an old pipe organ. It is believed to have been installed in the 18th century. 6. The church was damaged by an earthquake in the late 18th century, and then was vandalized in 1942 during World War II. One of the historical monuments of Antigua-and-Barbuda, it tells the story of a bygone era